Chelsea & Benfica Abort Negotiations Over David Luiz's Transfer

Posted by admin on Wednesday 26 January 2011


David Luiz's potential move from Benfica to Chelsea has fallen through, according to latest emanating reports.
Defender David Luiz is set to remain with Benfica after talks between the Portuguese champions and Chelsea broke down today, according to reports from Portugal.

News daily Record claims that the two clubs decided to call off negotiations after not reaching an agreement over the terms of the transfer.

It's been reported that Benfica president Luis FIlipe Vieira refused to lower the €25 million sum they want for the 23-year-old centre-back, an amount that the Premier League champions are unwilling to meet.

It seems as though unless Chelsea return to the table with exactly €25 million, the hopes of this transfer taking place in winter are extinguished.

Luiz has been included in Benfica's squad against Rio Ave in tonight's Portuguese Cup tie and is set to start the match as well. The Brazil international was absent from the squad for Saturday's league win against Nacional due to suspension.

Update 23:10 CET: The player took a penalty, that was missed, during Benfica's Taca de Portugal clash against Rio Ave. The defender is typically not a spot-kick taker and it possibly is a sign of his departure from the club as the chance to score a 'farewell' goal.